The objective of Seven Card Draw is to win the pot with the best 5-card hand and win the pot.

At the beginning of a Seven-Card Stud poker hand, every player is dealt 2 private cards, known as hole cards. These are dealt face-down, ensuring only the player can see them. Additionally, each player receives 1 card dealt face-up, called the door card, allowing other players to see this card.

Determining the starting player involves assessing the rank of the door cards in ascending order. The player holding the door card with the lowest rank (ties are resolved by the card's numerical value) initiates the initial betting round. This player can either make a forced "bring-in" bet or choose to make a standard bet, setting the tone for subsequent bets.

Following the bring-in bet, the action proceeds clockwise around the table. Players have the option to call, raise or fold, depending on their strategies and the quality of their hands. The game progresses to the next phase as participants remain engaged in the betting rounds.

As the game advances, players receive 3 additional face-up cards—fourth street, fifth street, and sixth street. After each new card is dealt, a round of betting takes place, allowing players to weigh their options based on the evolving nature of their hands.

Seventh street marks a crucial point in the game. Each player receives a final private card, this time dealt face-down. This card concludes their personal collection of seven cards for the hand.

The climax of the game arrives with the final round of betting. Players consider their overall hands, their opponents' visible cards, and the bets placed throughout the game. Once the betting round concludes, the showdown unfolds.

At the showdown, participants reveal their hole cards, the 2 private cards that were initially dealt face-down. By combining these with their 5 face-up cards, they present their best 5-card hand possible. The player with the highest-ranking hand, according to traditional poker hand rankings, emerges victorious and claims the pot.